With a spirit of reflection and forward momentum, the Alabama State University NAACP chapter celebrated Founders’ Day Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Themed “116 Years of Legacy: Remembering Our Roots, Building Our Future,” the event took place at noon at the Montgomery Interpretive Center, uniting students, faculty and community leaders to honor the past and envision the future of the NAACP.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the oldest civil rights organization in the United States. Dedicated to ensuring political, educational, social and economic equality for all, the NAACP has played a pivotal role in the fight against racial discrimination and injustice for over a century.
Dorothy D. Autrey, Ph.D., retired professor of history and program chair of the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African American Culture, addressed attendees, commending the chapter’s dedication to progress.
“This chapter has not seen a day like this before,” she said. “Over the last few years, they have continued to build upon the legacy and key elements that have kept this organization strong. They have had a significant impact, and I am so proud of what they have accomplished. Their dedication and leadership have made a difference, and they continue to inspire others to push forward and create change.”
Kira Ervin, a junior social work major, emphasized the event’s role in educating students about the organization’s origins and significance.
“This event allowed students to understand their roots and remember the roots of our ancestors and how they built the NAACP and how it started and, most of all, the importance of it,” Ervin said. “Now that we’re becoming a bigger unit and we have a lot of members, it’ll help us out with getting our voices heard.”
President of the Metro Montgomery County NAACP Chapter Isaiah Sankey highlighted his commitment to improving lives in the community.
“I was invited by your president of the ASU college chapter Mr. Moorer. I’m interested in all things that have to do with enhancing the quality of life for the people here in Montgomery County and the state of Alabama, for that matter,” Sankey said. “So I’m just here to challenge whatever needs to be challenged so that we can make sure that all Americans have access to the life that they deserve.”
“To have the opportunity of serving as the Montgomery County Commission district for this university, right in the heart of Commission District Four, I take my responsibility very seriously in terms of making sure that we’re making decisions at the county level that enhance the quality of life of all people,” Sankey said. “I definitely encourage more participation in civic affairs, and I think that we have some void when it comes to countering government as it relates to citizen participation. I want to encourage more citizens to get involved in county government so that they may impact the decision-making process that goes on with daily basis in county government.”
Nylise Washington, a sophomore computer science major, found inspiration in the closing speech by NAACP Chapter President Tyrin Moorer.
“My favorite part of today’s event was the end,” Washington said. “The ABC portion of Tyrin’s speech was impactful. It emphasized the words and actions of what life is today, what the future means, what it holds, and what it needs to bring. For me, it’s just a realization that I’m next, and we are next. So we have to change the stereotypes that we’re not able to do anything. I feel like there’s still some Gen Z out here that still can fight for our community. I really took away that the youth is now and we’re the only fight that’s left.”
Tyrin Moorer, a senior finance major and president of the university’s NAACP chapter, reflected on the significance of the event.
“Today was wonderful. I’m very excited to celebrate. This is my fifth Founders’ Day being a member of the NAACP, and this is the first Founders’ program that I curated,” Moorer said. “Our theme for this Founders’ Day that I created was ‘116 Years of Legacy: Honoring Our Roots, Building Our Future.’ While we reflect on the past, we’re going to recommit to initiatives and talk about what we’re going to do with our future. I feel like everybody left here with something.”
Moorer also praised Autrey’s historical contributions to the discussion.
“Dr. Dorothy Autrey gave a wonderful historical context to not only what we’ve done back in the past on the state level but how we kind of look like what we’re doing,” Moorer said. “So I’m absolutely thankful and grateful to everyone who came.”
In his closing remarks, Moorer encouraged students to embrace activism and leadership.
“Never forget, when young people stand up, the world takes notice,” he said. “That is a theme of mine because we need to stand up. We need to stand up in local government and the classrooms when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, and to every point and aspect of our lives. We need to create a better life for this generation and for those after us.”